Billericay nursery to remain closed says Ofsted

ANURSERYwhich closed suddenly because of concerns about children being at risk will not be re-opening.

Jump Ahead Pre-School, based at the 4th Billericay Scouts’ hut, in Laindon Road, Billericay, has ended its registration with Ofsted.

Officials launched an investigation into the nursery four weeks ago.

It is thought Ofsted had concerns with the management, who took over Jump Ahead last year.

The Echo understands it was in relation to paperwork and staff checks not being completed properly.

Anotice on the door at the time of the closure, said: “The purpose of a suspension is to allow time to investigate our belief that a child may be exposed to a risk of harm and for any necessary steps to be taken to eliminate or reduce the risk of harm.”

Now, a new nursery is set to open in the Scout hut. The same staff are expected to be employed, but new managers will be drafted in.

Richard Clark, chairman of 4th Billericay Scouts, said: “Jump Ahead has withdrawn its registration and there will be another pre-school, which is currently working with Ofsted, which is looking at opening soon.

“I believe it will be the same staff with a different management team overseeing everything.

It will be a fresh start.

“My understanding is that this was all because of a management and paperwork issue rather than anything to do with children.”

Jump Ahead had 45 children on its roll and 11 members of staff, seven of whom had early years qualifications at level three.

In its latest Ofsted inspection, which was carried out earlier this year, the nursery was rated as “good” , with inspectors praising “sensitive teaching” .

Little Legs Nursery and Pre- School opened its Billericay branch, also in Laindon Road, four months early to accommodate children left stranded when Jump Ahead shut suddenly.

Thirty-five of the 45 youngsters from Jump Ahead have taken up spaces, and parents have been told they can stay permanently if they decided not to take up places with the proposed new pre-school at the Scout hut.

A spokeswoman for Ofsted said: “The provider has taken the decision to resign their registration.”